Stephen Michael Wall

The Wall and Gicas families lost a piece of their future with the passing of Petty Officer Stephen Michael Wall in a tragic spear fishing accident. Stephen, a graduate of Cy Creek High School and Stephen F. Austin University, served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego.

Stephen excelled in many things, but his first love was basketball. His dream was to be a basketball coach. While attending Stephen F. Austin University, he took great pride in his work as student manager of the SFA Lumberjacks, where his excellence and dedication are remembered by many.

Stephen Wall , or as his friends know him, SWALL, was loved by everyone who had the joy of being a part of his life. He will be remembered as an extraordinarily kind, considerate, and thoughtful man who unfailingly put the needs of his family and friends before his own. He was respected by his family and friends alike for his honesty and integrity in everything that he ever did. Stephen was a vibrant, active, and daring outdoorsman. He would fearlessly attempt any activity that would challenge his abilities and push his limits, including basketball, volleyball, running, hiking, hunting, fishing, racquetball, cliff diving, and sky diving. His family finds solace in the knowledge that Stephen’s life was not only filled with passion, excitement, and his undaunted pursuit of every goal he set before himself, it was also defined by all those same characteristics. Stephen lived every day with purpose; and that purpose was so often to find his next challenge or adventure. Stephen’s infectious smile and playful spirit are an indelible part of the memories he leaves in the hearts of the many people who love him and have been touched by knowing him. Stephen had an amazing gift for inspiring everyone around him to strive to be the best person they could possibly be, and then encouraged them to be even more. And he held himself to the highest standard in every aspect of his own life.

Our Stephen was taken from his family entirely too soon. His parents, Ken and Patti Wall, will mourn the loss of their precious son with each and every breath. Tim Wall, Stephen’s brother, BEST friend, fishing and hunting buddy, and partner in their legendary high-diving and innumerable other fearless pursuits will miss him every day. Stephen shared a sweet and loving relationship with his sister, Jennifer Wall, who grieves the loss of her impish cohort and brother. Also grieving our tragic loss are Stephen’s grandparents, Dorothy Wall of Wildwood Crest, NJ and Jacquelyn Gicas of Slidell, LA; his many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Stephen will never be forgotten or ever out of hearts and minds.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2013 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church at 10135 West Road, Houston, TX. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow. Stephen will be laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery where he will receive a full military burial.